Chapter 3 successful company

Chapter 3

THIRD PERSON'S P.O.V.

Diego sat behind his desk, his expression stern and his demeanor commanding. He had come a long way from the hospital bed where his father had whispered words of encouragement to him years ago. The memories of that time still lingered in his mind, but they were overshadowed by the weight of responsibility he now carried as the CEO of a successful company.

"Sir, I want those reports on my desk by noon," Diego commanded, his tone brooking no argument.

His assistant, Gino, nodded quickly, rushing out of the room to fulfill his boss's orders. Diego leaned back in his chair, his mind momentarily drifting back to his past.

He remembered the pain and uncertainty of waking up in the hospital, not knowing if he would ever recover. But he had fought hard, driven by the love and support of his family. And now, he was determined to make them proud.

But along the way, something had changed in him. The once compassionate and empathetic Diego had been replaced by a cold and calculating businessman. He had learned the hard way that the world could be unforgiving, and he had to be ruthless to survive.

As he looked out the window of his office, Diego couldn't help but wonder what had become of Asher. His soon-to-be-husband had disappeared without a trace, leaving behind unanswered questions and lingering pain. But Diego had long since buried those emotions, focusing instead on building his empire.

But deep down, beneath the layers of ambition and success, there was still a part of Diego that longed for the innocence of his youth, and the beloved that had once meant everything to him. But in the cutthroat world of business, sentimentality was a luxury he could ill afford.

With a sigh, Diego turned his attention back to his work, pushing aside thoughts of the past. There was no room for nostalgia in his life now. All that mattered was the bottom line, and he would do whatever it took to come out on top.

ASHER'S P.O.V.

As I dressed my son in his uniform for his first day at school, I couldn't help but express my excitement for him.

"It's exciting that you're going to be a student, baby," I told Liam as I helped him adjust his polo shirt and pants.

Liam smiled and looked at me. "Yes, Papa! I'm excited too!" I ruffled his wet hair and kissed his cheek.

"Make sure you're nice to your teachers and good friends with your classmates, huh?" I advised him as we finished fixing his uniform.

"Yes, Papa. I promise," Liam said with a smile.

We walked to the front door of our house, ready for Liam's first day at school. Along with nervousness and excitement, my heart is also full of love and concern for my son.

As my son and I were going to the door, we saw Rafael, my best friend and neighbor, waiting outside their house. Yes, Rafael is my neighbor. I am happy with his new life. And I also owe my life to him, because if it wasn't for him, I might have lost my son. I am very grateful to him.

"Good morning, Asher and Liam!" Rafael greeted when we approached him.

"Good morning too, Rafael_tito Rafael!" Liam and I greeted each other.

"Are you ready for school, Liam?" Rafael asked, also full of excitement for Liam.

"Wait, I'm just going to give Papa something," Liam answered, handing me a small piece of paper.

I opened the paper and read the simple message written on it: "I love you, Papa! - Liam" My nervousness disappeared and was replaced by the sweetness of love in my heart. I can't help but hug my son. Even the simple things he did made my heart so happy.

"I love you too, my son.." I tearfully promised him.

Then, Liam and I got into Rafael's car to school. On the way, we talked about Liam's plans for the day and what he should look forward to at school.

There was a mixture of nervousness and excitement in Liam's every word and smile as we approached the school. And in my heart, I am grateful for these moments, for the opportunity to be a father and for friends like Rafael who are always there for us.

When we arrived at the front gate of the school, we continued to talk about the things Liam should look forward to on his first day.

"You know, kid, you'll meet a lot of new friends at school. Don't be shy to come up and talk to them," I told him as I talked to him as we walked inside the school.

"Really, Dad? I hope my first day goes well," Liam replied with a smile.

"That will definitely be good, son. Just be yourself and be nice to everyone," I replied to him, hope in my voice.

Arriving at the front door of Liam's class, I led him inside the classroom.

"Be careful there, Liam. Be kind," I told him before he entered the room.

"Yes, Papa. Thank you for the delivery," said Liam, giving me a tight hug.

After he entered, I looked at him until he was out of sight. I was filled with joy and concern for every step he took towards his future.

I went back outside the school, where Rafael was standing waiting for me.

"How about Liam?" asked Rafael, full of interest in my son's condition.

"His class is only for two hours, so I'll just wait here.."

We sat together on the bench and continued the conversation there.

"Don't you plan to introduce your son to his father?" Rafael suddenly asked.

"For what else? They cheated on me and I know that he and Anastasia are happy with their child.." I answered.

"To your dad and daddy?"

I faced him.

"I-I'm scared, I don't know where to start.." I told him truthfully.

He held my hand.

"I told you, that I was just here hmm?"

I smiled at him and nodded.

"Thank you, Rafael."

Diego stormed into the meeting room, his frustration boiling beneath the surface. As he took his seat at the head of the table, his piercing gaze swept over the assembled executives, each one squirming under his scrutiny.

"We have a crisis on our hands," Diego began, his voice cutting through the tense silence. "Our company has suffered a loss of 500 million, and I want answers."

The room erupted into a frenzy of excuses and explanations, but Diego's patience was wearing thin. He had no time for excuses - only solutions.

"Enough!" he roared, slamming his fist down on the table. The sound reverberated through the room, silencing the clamor.

"We need to focus on finding a way forward," Diego continued, his tone measured but firm. "I want every department to come up with a plan to recoup our losses. And I want those plans on my desk by the end of the day."

The executives nodded, sensing the gravity of the situation. They knew better than to defy Diego's orders – failure was not an option.

As the meeting drew to a close, Gino approached Diego with a concerned look in his eyes. Without a word, he placed a comforting hand on Diego's shoulder, offering silent support.

Diego sighed, the weight of the world still heavy on his shoulders. But as he met Gino's gaze, he found a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. With Gino by his side, he knew they could overcome any obstacle that stood in their way. And together, they would rebuild what had been lost, stronger and more resilient than ever before.

Diego's eyes softened as he looked into Gino's gaze, a wave of gratitude washing over him. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, Gino's unwavering support remained a constant source of strength.

"Thank you, Gino," Diego said, his voice tinged with emotion. "For being here, for believing in me, even when things seem impossible."

Gino smiled warmly, his hand squeezing Diego's shoulder gently. "I'll always be here for you, Diego," he said softly. "Through the highs and the lows, I'll stand by your side."

Diego felt a surge of warmth spread through his chest at Gino's words. In that moment, he was reminded of the depth of their connection, a bond that transcended the challenges they faced.

"Sometimes, it's easy to forget what truly matters amidst the chaos of this world," Diego murmured, his gaze softening. "But you, Gino, you remind me of the things that are worth fighting for."

Gino leaned in closer, his breath warm against Diego's ear. "You're worth fighting for, Diego," he whispered, his words filled with love and sincerity.

Diego felt a rush of emotion overwhelm him, his heart swelling with affection for the man beside him. In that moment, surrounded by uncertainty, he found solace in Gino's embrace, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

With a sense of renewed determination, Diego faced the future head-on, knowing that with Gino by his side, there was nothing they couldn't overcome.

ASHER'S P.O.V.

After class, I took my son to the park to play. He was happy and I could see the happiness in his eyes. Every time I see him happy, the sadness in my heart disappears.

"Dad, play hide and seek with me!" he whispered to me with a smile on his face.

I nodded and followed him to a large tree that would be the perfect hideout.

While we were playing, Rafael suddenly came with snacks and drinks for both of us. He was there to join in our fun.

"Tito Rafael! Come on, let's hide!" my son shouted, to which Rafael immediately agreed.

In the middle of our laughing and playing, something suddenly occurred to me. I know that no matter what happens, Rafael is here for us. Even though the past is still painful, he is here now to be our friend and ally.

"Are you hungry, Asher? I brought your favorite chips," Rafael whispered to me while smiling.

I smiled at him, now happy with this kind of friendship. My son is happy, and in moments like these, all the sadness and fear in my heart disappears.

As we continued to play, I noticed how energetic and happy my son was. You can really see the pleasure in his every move as Rafael and I laugh.

"Tito Rafael, you will count!" my son shouted as he hid in a small crack in the tree.

Rafael nodded and smiled at us. Every time I see the two of them, my heart fills with joy. Now, for the second time, I feel the true meaning of family.

When the game was over, we walked home, carrying joy and happiness in our hearts. Every step feels hope and a new beginning.

Between the trees and under the light of the stars, I realized that no matter what trials came, we had each other. And with Rafael's help, not only me, but also my son, will be okay.

"See you again, Rafael. Thanks for coming," I thanked him as we said our goodbyes.

"Nothing, Asher. Whatever you need, I'm here," Rafael answered, a smile on his lips.

As we returned home, carrying happy memories and new hope, I knew that no matter what came, we had each other, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

That night, while my son was sleeping peacefully, I immediately opened my phone and immediately dialed my parent's number.

After a few rings, the call was immediately answered.

"Who is this?"

"Dad.."

To Be Continued...